Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Eternally Damned ❯ The Pawns Take the Stage... ( Chapter 1 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Eternally Damned
By: Ryu
Chapter 2
~~~~~~~
 
Blue eyes could only stare at the newcomer in anger and horror. The dark rider had been in this exact same position numerous times before but it never got any easier and the strength that this family possessed never ceased to amaze her. Human strength of heart did very little to ease her guilt however.
 
"Rumiko! You know how I feel about this! How can you agree to this after what happened to you? For Kami-sama's sake, it took you seven years of rehab to get you to walking as you are now!" The rider now as identified as Usagi roared, standing up abruptly to pace. Twin emerald eyes followed the pacing woman, watching the play of muscle under her clothing, and the way her golden mane, now in a thick ponytail caught the light. In short neither Osaka was paying attention to their guest's tirade, even though they were paying more than enough attention to her. As if reading the minds of both auburn-haired women, Usagi stopped ranting, although her pacing didn't slow a bit.
 
"I don't know why I even bother. I know neither of you are listening to me. Stubbornness is a family trait, apparently." The blonde huffed, finally stopping to glare at the two women before her, whom at least had the grace to blush. "Obviously stupidity is a family trait as well…" Usagi grumbled. Both Osaka's features contorted in slight pain and the blonde blushed, her face contrite. Rumiko sighed and walked up to her friend placing an empathetic hand on her shoulder.
 
"Usagi, I know full well how you feel about this. You had almost the same reaction with my father as well remember. Not to mention my grandmother before him. We believe in our cause, we believe in you and have for countless generations. I do not regret my decision to become Ruin and I do not regret passing it on! My daughter, like every Ruin before her understands fully the ramifications of the path she's chosen…" Rumiko explained softly looking to her daughter for help. Ruin, who had remained silent since her introduction took her mother's place at Usagi's side, taking the other woman's delicate hand into her own.
 
"Tsukino-san… Like all that have come before me I have studied of your life… of their lives, and understand the danger that lies with this mantle. I also understand the pride that lies with it as well. Your cause is a worthy one, and I have dreamed of the day I would join you since I was ten years old. Please, don't deny me this."
 
Usagi looked into the eyes of the latest Ruin, seeing the sincerity and devotion she already knew would be there. She'd seen it reflected from the eyes of countless Ruin, and she mourned for them all. Yet each knew the consequences of the title they chose to bear. Each knew the consequences of being her friend. The blonde sighed realizing bitter sweetly that she'd lost this battle before she'd even begun.
 
"Who am I to tell you how to live your life? If this is what you want… Ruin, I will not deny you." Usagi finally huffed out. Ruin's eyes lit up and she launched herself into the arms of the blonde woman. "Thank you, Serenity! Thank you!" The auburn haired woman murmured into the other woman's neck. Usagi shook her head and awkwardly returned the embrace, all the while glaring daggers at Rumiko, whom merely smiled.
 
Breaking Ruin's hold, Usagi turned and gathered her things. "Well, I've been on the road for quite some time and am very tired. I hate to be rude, but I fear if I don't get some sleep sometime soon, I'll collapse. Rumiko I trust my room hasn't changed?" The blonde questioned her hostess.
 
"Of course not Elanis. You know the way. Sweet dreams."
 
Usagi bowed to both Osaka and marched up the stairs. Twin smiles graced their faces when they heard the blonde yawn before she was out of sight. Their guest indisposed, Rumiko led her daughter to a chair and sat her down. "Remarkable woman. All the fire and passion the others spoke of, along with a vulnerability, a nobility that makes her frail as well as strong." Ruin commented, not really looking at her mother, rather she was staring at a picture on the table behind her. Usagi was smiling into the camera, dressed in a stylish yet black ensemble one arm draped over a much younger Rumiko's shoulders. The elder Osaka knelt down and took her daughter's hand, capturing her attention.
 
"That is true. And it seems that you are stricken with the same curse that has plagued our family since we became Ruin. I see it in your eyes, daughter. You love her. It's my fault I suppose… she'd captured your heart since you'd first met her… and I did nothing to prevent it. Don't make the same mistake I did. Don't long for something you can't have. Elanis has the ability to claim anyone… just one smile, one cynical joke, to hear her cause does something to a person. It makes you believe in tomorrow but at the cost of losing your heart. She doesn't know what power she has… she never knew I loved her. She doesn't know that I love her still…" Rumiko trailed off looking away from her daughter, as tears stung her eyes at the unbidden memories. "I loved your father as much as I was able. If you let her take you now, she will leave unfit to love anyone else. I don't want that for you. Do not forget your mission Ruin, but do not lose yourself in it as well."
 
The older woman jumped up abruptly and strode over to the fireplace putting her hands upon the mantle of the hearth. "Your ultimate duty is to protect Elanis, Ruin. She does not know our true purpose. You must protect her and her secret." Rumiko stated, her hands gripping the mantle tightly. Ruin wiped the tears that stung her eyes before standing and walking up to her mother.
 
"I know mother. No one must know that Usagi Tsukino is a vampire. Especially the dark one."
~~~~~~
 
"Fascinating…" Ami Mizuno whispered to no one in particular as she looked at a cluster of cells through a microscope. Pulling back, the blue haired woman moved her glasses from the top of her head to her eyes. Picking up a leather bound notebook the doctor made a few notes, stopping sporadically to look through the microscope again. Shaking her head Ami closed her book and put it aside, moving her chair to the other side of the room where her laptop was waiting. Putting the computer in her lap, the doctor wheeled herself back to the research table. Quickly she sat the computer upon the desk and imputed a few flurried commands.
 
After a manner of clicks she pulled up the simulation of the cells she was studying and the three dimensional depiction of their genome sequences. She imputed a few more commands and equations and watched as the cells drastically altered their appearance, just as they actual specimens did before her eyes. What truly caught her attention however was the change of the genome.
 
"Watashi no Kami-sama, this isn't just a simple mutation at all… Well I think I'm way over my head." The doctor murmured in awe. With a sigh the Ami picked up the nearby telephone and dialed the number of a specialist. Anxiously, the doctor began humming until she heard the phone pick up.
 
"Moshi, moshi?"
 
"Ah yes, is this the residence of Doctor Taiki Kou?"
 
"Yes it is. How may I help you?'
 
"Kou-sama, my name is Ami Mizuno and I have a bit of a problem." Ami began explaining the behavior of the cells she'd been studying and where she got them from. The blue haired doctor flinched when she'd heard the gasp.
 
"Mizuno-san, are you sure?"
 
"Don't take my word for it, check your e-mail. I've just sent you my data." The doctor smirked as she heard faint clicks in the background. 'And I thought I was right to the point…'
 
"Shimata…"
 
"Kou-sama? Is everything alright?"
 
"Yes. Mizuno-san, I'd like to take a look at this in person. Put those on ice and I will catch the first flight out. I thank you for bringing this to my attention and I look forward to meeting you. Good day."
 
"Of course Kou-sama. I await your arrival."
 
Hanging up the telephone, Ami gathered her materials and put them away. After replacing the bodies in stasis and the doctor shut down her computer and grabbed her coat. "I think I've done enough work for today… Urawa-san, I'm heading home for the day." The auburn haired man walked into the lab, clearly worried about his coworker.
 
"Mizuno-san, its only three o'clock. Are you feeling alright?" He questioned, bushy eyebrows knitting together. Ami smiled softly at the man. She was aware of his crush on her and tolerated it even though she did not return his feelings. "I'm just a little tired. I've been working on this latest case far too much." Patting him on the shoulder the blue haired woman brushed past him heading for the door.
 
"Ami-chan, a word?" The blue haired doctor pulled up short at the soft intonation. Turning around she realized who her guest was with a rueful chuckle. "Keioh-san. I trust this is a professional visit?" Michiru Keioh was a geneticist and forensic officer of the Tokyo police. The twenty-nine year old woman had been a mentor to Ami early in her career and the blue haired woman looked up to her. Keioh was the epitome of classic beauty, her features regal and refined, blue eyes accented by shoulder length aquamarine hair. She turned sad eyes to the floor, studying it intently.
 
"There's been another murder… It was Junzo Hino."
 
"Hino…? Rei's father?" Ami questioned rocked by the information. Michiru only nodded, apparently hating the fact that she had to be the one to tell Ami, and most likely Rei herself.
 
"Kami-sama… it was the same wasn't it? It was just like the other murders?"
 
"Yes, only this time the body was left intact…"
 
Great… Do you have anymore exciting news for me?" The blue haired doctor groaned massaging temples that were beginning to throb.
 
"Yes, actually. I just tendered my resignation. I can't take this anymore Ami… I was accepted into the Tokyo symphony. First chair." The older woman whispered, refusing to let the tears fall. Ami respected and understood her mentor's decision, no one would really miss Junzo, but both knew what this would do to his daughter, and neither wanted to witness that.
 
Ami sighed and slumped into the chair next to Michiru. "What can I say Michi? Congratulations. I'm going to miss you. I know TS travels just about everywhere." The blue haired woman smiled slightly when she felt Michiru take her hand and kiss it. "I will miss you as well kid. We had some good times ne?" Ami blushed and nodded as the memories overcame her. Cupping the younger woman's face, Michiru leaned over and gently touched her lips to the doctor's. It was a kiss of two women whom had been lovers for a time, and while they were now friends, they never lost that deep connection. When they parted the aquamarine haired musician stood up.
 
"I'll tell Rei-chan after I leave…"
 
"No. I'll do it. You concentrate on your new career. Hey, don't forget about me, okay?"
 
Michiru smiled sweetly at her former lover and closest friend. “Of course not. I'll still be in Tokyo for another three months. I'll call you tomorrow. Ja ne Ami-chan."
 
"You know I won't say goodbye, but I will say good luck. If anything major happens…"
 
"Just call… I'll be there. This isn't the end Ami-chan… just a transition. We're still a team…" Michiru bowed and winked at Ami before walking out of the office, and possibly out of her life. Forlornly Ami ran a hand through her hair and sighed.
 
"Now comes the hard part. How the hell am I going to break this to Rei-chan?"
 
~~~~~~~~
 
"Did it have to be a senator?" a woman groaned to her companion, casting hazel eyes to the ceiling. Shaking her head the woman ran her hands through long sandy blonde hair, which was pulled back in a braid at her the base of her neck. The woman was dressed black suit that vaguely resembled a kung fu gi, except for the golden dragons emblazoned upon the cuffs and the coat that reached her ankles. From a distance one would have found her an attractive man, but upon closer inspection would see the hard glint of cruelty in her murky emerald gaze. Next to her, a woman clothed in black jeans and a T-shirt with the name of the latest popular rock band emblazoned upon the front snorted.
 
"Haruka, he was just one more pathetic mortal… Hell from the way he's treated people, I'll be surprised if anyone goes to the damn funeral! Besides, you know why he had to die. There's nothing like the death of innocents to lure out Serenity." The other woman added smugly, her blue eyes glinting in the dim light. Both women were standing within a room of an ancient manor, its surroundings gloomy and foreboding.
 
"Just Serenity, Yuki?" the sandy blonde questioned sardonically, smirking at the blush that flared on the other woman's face. "Perhaps… I am looking forward to seeing my own beloved again…" Yuki allowed, looking away, her white mane flaring with the movement.
 
"You don't really think that Mimir wants you do you?" Haruka questioned a depreciating laugh edging the question. Yuki narrowed her eyes, glaring at the taller woman. "Fuck you Haruka. She is mine. It's Serenity and her ridiculous quest that keeps up apart!" The slightly shorter woman shouted, her eyes cobalt fire.
 
"Yeah, sure." The blonde replied in a tone that suggested she was in doubt about Yuki's sanity.
 
"Must you two always bicker like children?" Both women gasped and jumped apart turning to face the newcomer. A tall woman dressed in a forest green business suit, emerged from the shadows. Her eyes were hard chips of rubies, beautiful yet distant, while dark green hair spilled down her back in a cascade. She smiled at the two women, her white teeth a stark contrast to her mocha colored skin. Most disturbing about the woman however, were the fangs that glinted dangerously within her smile. Her companions did not seem to notice the aura of death the tall seductress exuded, even as they bowed respectfully to her. Nodding the woman handed a manila envelope to Haruka.
 
"Mistress?"
 
"Michiru Keioh. She's the forensics officer that examined Hino. She also tendered her resignation today. She might have found something… that doesn't concern her. Find her, study her. If she did discover something… kill her. As for you Yuki, it seems that Mimir is on the move. Be sure to greet her when she returns to Tokyo."
 
"Yes… Lady Meioh."
 
~~~~~~~~
 
Night found the Guji of Hikawa Jinja, kneeled in front of the Sacred Fire, her thoughts troubled. 'Something's wrong. I don't know what it is but something's happened…' The sound of the phone ringing broke the raven haired Guji from her thoughts. Bowing respectfully to the Flames, she rose and walked into the hallway where the nearest phone was located. For some reason her hands trembled as she picked up the receiver.
 
"Moshi moshi, this is Hino." The line remained silent and after a point the Guji's irritation got the better of her and she began to hang up the phone. However, before she could do so her sensitive ears picked up the tentative voice on the other end.
 
Rei-chan. Hello, this is Ami.
 
“Ah Ami-chan, how are you?” Realizing that it was her friend, who was obviously worried about something, Rei's brief anger dissipated like the wind.
 
Decent I guess, look Rei-chan I'm not going to beat around the bush here. Michiru-san stopped by today.
 
“Oh? What did she want? Perhaps a romantic weekend at some mountain side retreat?” The Guji settled into her role of teasing her friend hoping that it would alleviate some of her disgruntlement. Ami, for her part effectively rose to the bait and sighed, irritation briefly undercutting her worry.
 
Rei-chan, you know very well that she and I are no longer lovers! No, look she got a new victim today… it was your father. A myriad of emotions battered at Rei's already tattered heart. She could feel the walls around her heart that had taken years of painstaking meditation and isolation to build shudder under this new assault.
 
“…Oh. Well the no good bastard deserved to die just as he lived… anonymously.” The bitterness in her tone did not go unnoticed by Ami on the other end.
 
Rei-chan you're a Guji… you don't mean that. No one deserves to die the way he did… no matter how much he abandoned you.
 
With a cleansing breath the Guji returned her wayward emotions to some semblance of normality. “You're right. I'm sorry… look, I need some time to think about this… I'll talk to you later ok?”
 
"Sure… don't hesitate to call if you need a friend.
 
“No problem… thanks, Ami-chan.” The Guji stared at the phone long after she hung it up, blinking back tears.
 
“Shit.”
 
~~~~~~~~
 
“Thanks Keioh-san! Good night!”
 
Michiru smiled at the retreating back of the officer who would be replacing her after she resigned. The man wasn't as good, not possessing her instinctive flair for forensics but he would be a good addition. Michiru sighed and finished packing her things from her office. With a bittersweet smile the green eyed officer picked up the box and walked out of her office forever, closing the door behind her. Putting her belongings into her car, Michiru paused realizing she'd forgot something. Briskly she walked into the office and retrieved the item, walking back out she stopped startled as she caught sight of the man leaning upon the side of her car.
 
“Well, well. What do we have here?” The thug intoned lewdly. Michiru took a step back, falling back into a casual fighting stance, ready to strike at a moment's notice. Without warning, the thug lunged a switchblade flying into his hand like quicksilver. Her attacker was faster than his large muscled frame suggested and even though, she was a skilled fighter his steel onslaught was driving her back towards the nearby alley.
 
Throwing his body at her, the thug forced Michiru to drop the object she was holding as she fell to the ground. The mugger let out a yell and brought his knife down.
 
“Urk--!” The mugger gurgled as strong fingers buried themselves into hair and yanked him away from his prey.
 
“I don't think the lady prefers your company, pal. So why don't you excuse yourself before you get hurt hmm?” A velvet alto purred mockingly. Michiru looked up to see just who her savior was. A woman, dressed in a black suit with long flaxen hair tied back released her hold on the thug's scalp and pushed him back. Her savior stood casually watching the thug with feigned indifference, yet he would not be stymied so easily.
 
“Oh yeah? You want to take her place, dyke?” The man sneered nastily before throwing himself at the blonde. Hazel eyes quickly shaded to blue as the woman smirked and leveled the man with a palm thrust. Air was torn from the man's body as he slammed into the concrete outside of the alley, narrowly missing Michiru's car altogether. The blonde frowned as she watched the man get up, his movement only slightly impaired by the attack. `He's not human…' Quickly she turned to the woman standing behind her. “You! Get out of here!” The blonde ordered, turning back around to face her opponent, while expecting to hear footfalls heading in the opposite direction. Her frown deepened when she didn't, in fact the forensics officer moved forward and dropped into a fighting stance, again holding the object that got her into this entire mess.
 
“Are you deaf or just stupid? I told you to run!”
 
“Do you think you can handle him alone? Well I don't, besides I never asked you to come to my rescue!” Michiru retorted just as vehemently. The blonde rolled her eyes which were now clouding back to a murky emerald. `I've got to get her out of here…' the blonde mentally jerked, startled that she was concerned with the other woman's safety. `One problem at a time…' She mentally scolded herself. “Look, I need you to go get help. I'll be alright but I need you to hurry.” Michiru stared at her savior momentarily, weighing her options. She'd left her cell phone along with her purse in her car, and if the blonde woman didn't have to concentrate on her whereabouts she could concentrate on holding him off until help arrived.
 
“Fine… I'm going to call the police. Try not to get killed alright?” The blonde woman just nodded, her attention barely focused upon the forensics officer. Instead her hazel gaze followed the thug who just stood there, watching her watching him. Taking his hesitation for the opening that it was, Michiru turned and sprinted in the opposite direction. The human woman now gone, the sandy haired woman let her true nature shine though. The thug offered another one of his sinister smiles and the blonde stepped back, as if finally realizing what he was…
 
`Oh shit… he's a werewolf.' Far more daunting than their Hollywood created images, true werewolf were bigger, stronger, and at least in the case of this one and lot uglier and hairier. While they were consider little more than bastard dog yokai the human emotions and passions that were unique to them produced powers that were unheard of within their full blooded brethren The only question that remained was what was one doing in Tokyo and why wasn't it attacking?
 
“I am honored to be in the presence of such an esteemed hunter, Tenoh-san. I am Banniaus of the Tsukikura clan. Forgive me if I interrupted your hunt, however that human is my prey.” The massive creature actually executed a short bow
 
“Ah yes you're Demando's right hand… man. Tell me then what does the Dark Fang want with that woman? Obviously she's quite important if you would stoop so low as to pose as a common thief to mask your trail.”
 
“Again my apologies, but I do not explain my master's orders.” The man-wolf snarled out, his gruff tone mocking.
 
“To me, perhaps not, but are you willing to risk the wrath of the Garnet Scorpion?” Haruka questioned, knowing that lackey of the White Prince of Darkness would know the title of his greatest rival and her mistress. The man wolf actually paled beneath his thick fur and his stance faltered as he began to weigh his options. While his master was harsh, Demando didn't kill out of hand with the abandon that Setsuna Meioh did. If he risked disrupting her plans he could bring her wrath upon them all. A gruff snort issued from the werewolf's hideous muzzle as he realized that he had no choice, monster he may be but he still valued his life.
 
“Very well Tenoh-san. I will abstain from this hunt. There's no reason for instigation of animosity between our two houses. Good hunting to you.” Banniaus snarled out before leaping to the top of a nearby building and into the night. Haruka watched the wolf leave a look of disappointment crossing her handsome features.
 
“Shimata. I was hoping to fight the bastard.” Just as the woman finished reverting back to her more human guise, Keioh and two officers ran up to her from the dark alley. “Hey! Where did he go?” Michiru questioned her blonde protector, while the officers look on a little annoyed and more than a little confused. The blonde shrugged flashing Michiru a confidant smile. “He ran off shortly after you left to get help. Sorry about that, boys.” She added for the police officer's benefit. The green haired former forensics officer blushed and some reason Haruka found it almost unbearably cute.
 
“Well Keioh-sama since you've already given us a description of the perp we'll be on our way. My suggestion to you is to head straight home. But don't worry, it's been pretty slow tonight, we'll catch him sooner or later.” The officers bowed to both women and headed back the way they came.
 
Now without a threat and suddenly alone with the dashing blonde, Michiru couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by the situation. While she was never one to back down from the allure of a charming and beautiful woman there was something about this woman, dark yet sensual that both frightened her and beckoned like a siren.
 
The former forensics officer just hoped that she wouldn't end up in a watery grave for her trouble.
 
“Well I suppose I should be going…” Haruka announced, turning to follow the escape route of the officers. She didn't smirk when Michiru reached out for her hand, but her eyes did brighten briefly before she turned around. “Please, there's no point in you walking by yourself, or we'll just end up in the same predicament only in reverse. My name's Michiru Keioh by the way.”
 
Haruka took the hand of the woman who was quickly blurring the line between her mistress' prey and her prey and kissed it. At the electric contact, the blonde vampire felt a ravenous hunger steal over her. Yet it wasn't the aquamarine haired woman's blood that she craved… it was Michiru herself. “Tenoh. Haruka Tenoh. The pleasure is mine.”
 
Michiru couldn't deny the spark that shot through her as the boyishly beautiful blonde's lips brushed over her hand, nor could she deny how it reverberated along nerve endings as the blonde spoke. “Indeed, Tenoh-san. Shall we go?” Haruka only smiled at the gorgeous woman standing before her, letting some of her hunger reach her eyes as preternatural senses picked up the combination of fear and desire emanating from her body.
 
“Yes let's.”
~~~~~~~~
 
“Are you sure about this Ami-chan?” Ami adjusted her glasses as she and her companion walked through the airport. They came to a stop at the docking/waiting area and took a seat, before the doctor glanced over at her friend.
 
“Of course Makoto-chan. Kou-sama faxed me and said that her flight would be coming in now.” The doctor ignored the slight flinch that coursed through her friend. Ami was the only friend of Makoto's that didn't call her Mako-chan. It wasn't that the doctor didn't feel close to the other woman but since Makoto expressed her interest in deepening their relationship Ami didn't want to lead her on. Makoto Kino was a world renowned chef and florist, her six foot frame radiating power with every fluid movement. Gentle eyes the color of emeralds sparkled under tousled auburn fire bangs while a thick pony tail curled softly at the small of her back. As much as Mizuno admired her beautiful friend she couldn't find it within her heart to want more than friendship. Kino had claimed to understand as much, but the blue haired doctor could still easily see the flames of unrequited love burning within electric verdant eyes.
 
“Still, why take a flight at two in the morning? Why couldn't she have taken a later flight… say at a more decent hour?” The chef grumbled tokenly. She had to open up her restaurant in three hours and the lack of sleep was starting to get to her.
 
“Sorry Makoto-chan that is actually my fault, Kou-sama believed that the information I sent warranted her immediate attention. However you didn't have to come with me you know…”
 
The taller woman shrugged nonchalantly. “True, but what if this `Kou-sama' is an axe murder? Where would you be then?” Kino asked, her lilting alto mockingly serious. Ami nudged her companion in the ribs laughing.
 
“Oh yeah right! This coming from a woman that screamed during `The Wizard of Oz'!”
 
“Hey that witch was pretty scary, besides we watched that in junior high! Are you ever going to forget?”
 
A grin spread over the doctor's face at the slightly defensive tone that the taller woman took on. “No actually it was too…. My word.”
 
“Ami-chan? What is it?” The brunette questioned following the preoccupied doctor's crystalline gaze. Walking towards them like a vision was a woman. Statuesque and refined the woman's six foot four frame lent her an intimidating aura that compelled as well as rebuffed. Amethyst eyes glinted behind wire framed glasses sparkling with a wealth of wisdom and knowledge and no little mischief. Her features were androgynously beautiful, while a chestnut cascade was pulled back from her high forehead and flowed down her back ending just above her knees. She was dressed in an obviously tailor-made ebony pants suit, the cut stylish without being flashy.
 
The woman's reserved countenance lightened slightly when she spotted the agape blue haired doctor and her brunette companion. Makoto's eyes flashed briefly as her sensitive ears picked up Ami's shallow breathing next to her. The doctor rose gracefully despite her flustered state, smiling warmly for the approaching figure. The brunette woman stopped in front of both doctor and chef lowering her luggage to the floor. Makoto's eyebrow rose as she noticed the thick bands of muscle rippling under silken skin in the woman's hands, a testament to her strength.
 
“Dr. Mizuno, I presume? I am Taiki Kou.” The woman's rich alto voice intoned before she bowed to both women. While the unusual shape of the newcomer's eyes suggested that she was a foreigner, her command of the Japanese language hinted that she at least had one parent of full Japanese lineage. What surprised and disturbed Kino the most was the way Ami flushed slightly at Kou's words.
 
“Yes, Kou-sama, this is Makoto Kino.” Makoto stepped forward at Ami's introduction and bowed, having enough presence of mind to remember her manners.
 
“Dozo yoroshiku, Kino-san.” Kou again bowed to the chef but her lavender eyes seemed as intent on the blue haired doctor as Ami's eyes were on her. Makoto found herself biting the inside of her cheek to hold her tongue in check.
 
“Kou-sama if you'll follow us, my car is this way.” Ami began, reaching for one of other doctor's bags. She gasped slightly as she felt tapered fingers gently encompass her wrist, looking up, the blue haired doctor proceeded to drown in the most captivating eyes she'd ever seen. “Thank you Mizuno-san, however I have them…” The sound was as sweet as honey to Ami's ears and it took a second for her to register the words, and the fact that the slightly cool yet electric touch of the other woman was gone. Clearing her throat slightly Ami stood, this time effectively stiffing her gasp as she saw Taiki's arms flex briefly as she picked up her belongings. The doctor knew for a fact that the genetic specialist had brought along some of her equipment and was amazed at her innate strength.
 
As they began walking Ami couldn't help notice that her normally easy going companion strode behind she and Taiki stiffly. The blue haired woman could almost feel the animosity radiating from Makoto in waves. Ami was not the only one who noticed Makoto's sour disposition. Taiki arched an eyebrow behind her glasses. `I wonder what disturbs Kino-san so… I have bigger problems, however. I just hope this isn't as horrendous as I'm making it out to be.'
 
“Tell me Kou-sama. Do you have a place to stay? Because if you don't you… could stay with me.” Behind them Makoto tripped on the carpet and fell towards Taiki's back. Yet she never knocked the taller woman over, in fact she never hit her. Almost instantaneously Taiki's arms wrapped around the chef's waist and Makoto felt herself being lifted and brought to the front of both doctors so that she wouldn't trip again over brunette doctor's bags.
 
“Daijobu Kino-san?” Makoto nodded haltingly and stepped back embarrassed. “Arigato, Kou-san.” The trio resumed walking Ami's question and offer momentarily forgotten. After Taiki's luggage had been stowed in the back of Ami's SUV and they were on their way was the question readdressed.
 
“I have a friend nearby, so I'll be staying with her.”
 
“Alright. Makoto-chan I'll go ahead and drop you off since you're nearby.”
 
“Sure.” The brunette grumbled even though the idea of the two doctors alone together already worried her beyond measure.
 
“Turn right here.” Taiki murmured after they'd dropped Kino off a half hour ago. The blue and silver SUV pulled into the driveway of a manor that looked like it belonged in a movie, whether a horror or a fairy tale Ami couldn't be sure. “Does an artist live here?” The doctor questioned confused.
 
“Actually yes. Megami Shino, have you heard of her?”
 
Ami nodded surprised. She'd heard of the elusive artist from Michiru, who was hosting her Tokyo opening later this week. The woman was rarely seen, and was known for her trademark depictions of death and sorrow. Yet her paintings weren't always gruesome, many showing the unbearable darkness of simply being alone.
 
Swiftly Taiki moved from the car and gathered her belongings, not giving Ami a chance to help. Before the doctor could sigh in frustration the brunette's serene visage appeared at her open window. “Thank you Mizuno-san, have a safe drive home and I will see you tomorrow. I have some business to attend to so I'll meet you at dusk if that's alright with you?”
 
“Sure, Kou-sama. I look forward to working with you.” The blue haired doctor smiled at her new partner before backing her car out of the driveway and heading home.
 
“Indeed.” Taiki allowed a smile to lighten her countenance before taking her luggage and walking to the door of the massive house. She rapped the ornate doorknocker three times and stepped back slightly. Soon her muffled ears picked up a muffled “Oh hell! You'd better not be the damn press!” from inside. The tall specialist snorted and answered the supposedly unheard curse.
 
“I should say not! Open the door Kydonil!” Almost immediately the wood and stained glass door opened up and the one called Kydonil stood, a look of delight present upon a face that had seen far too little of such an emotion. “Taiki? Heaven above, come in, my friend come in!” Taiki nodded and followed her host into the house after removing her shoes.
 
“Forgive me, I hope I didn't interrupt anything.” Taiki began only to silenced by the artist's waving hand. “Of course not Taiki-chan. It's so good to see another Ronin again. Please have a seat, and forgive the mess.” The normally immaculate, expansive living room was littered with packaged paintings and those waiting to be boxed up. Taiki's hostess shrugged her shoulders imperturbably. She was a slight woman, her features soft and beautiful, an unlikely complement to her sickly complexion and ancient violet eyes. Liquid onyx flowed down her back to be shorn mid length, Taiki remembered a time when it was long enough to pool at her feet and was grateful to its diminished length and what it signified.
 
“Have you heard? Serenity is in Tokyo.” While this was good news the raven haired woman said it with all the inflection of a victim in a car wreck. Taiki knew why and cringed as her fears were just verified.
 
“Then I suppose this is it, eh Hotaru? The game begins anew.”
 
“Perhaps not anew Mimir. Only this is the beginning of the end. I can only hope that we'll be ready…”
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